What can be more quintessentially English than the custom of afternoon tea? Not much we say and this week we are celebrating this wonderful tradition with Afternoon Tea Week.

Though the custom of tea drinking can be dated back to third millennium BC in China, Afternoon Tea was purportedly introduced to England by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford in 1840. The poor Duchess would get a bit peckish around four o’clock in the afternoon, as the household’s evening meal was served at eight o’clock and therefore a long period of time between lunch and dinner. Who wouldn’t?

To quell her hunger she asked for a tray of tea, bread & butter and cake be brought to her room during the late afternoon, which became a habit and she began inviting friends to join her. This soon became a fashionable social event and during the 1880’s upper-class and society women would dress in long gowns, gloves and hats for their afternoon tea served in the drawing room between four and five o’clock.

A traditional afternoon tea consists of dainty sandwiches, ubiquitous scones with clotted cream and jam, cakes, pastries and savouries, and of course a pot of tea. Though now the tea is quite often replaced with glass or two of Champagne or sparkling wine. Top tip to solve the jam or cream first quandary…do one of each!

If you fancy indulging in Afternoon Tea this week to celebrate or any other week for that matter there’s plenty to choose from in and around Henley.

Hotel du Vin, The Bull on Bell Street, The Henley Delicatessen are all serving up wonderful afternoon teas and with al fresco spaces and if you have an Experience Henley Card, you’ll get a cheeky discount ranging from 10-20%. It would be rude not to indulge! To claim, show your registered card on the app.

Also from 15th-17th August, to celebrate Afternoon Tea Week Hurley House Hotel are offering a complimentary glass of Ruinart Champagne Rosé with their delicious cakes, scones with Cornish clotted cream and jam, the finest sandwiches and your choice of exclusive teas. Email hello@hurleyhouse.co.uk or call 01628 568500 to book.